A Study on Prevalence and Prescription Pattern of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Background: Patients with Diabetes mellitus (DM) were prone to multiple complications such as diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). It is considered as a major source of morbidity and a leading cause of hospitalization in patients with diabetes. On the other hand, once DFU has developed, there is an increased risk of ulcer progression that may ultimately lead to amputation. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and prescription pattern of Diabetic foot ulcer. To determine the most common microorganism prevailing in the infected diabetic foot ulcer inpatient along with use of antimicrobial agent. Methodology: The study will be conducted in General Medicine, Surgical and Orthopaedics Department of Basaweshwara Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Chitradurga Results: 150 diabetic patients were included in the study aged ≥30 years, out of this 35(23.3%) were diagnosed as diabetic foot ulcer. Among this 26 were males and 09 were females. The most common isolates from culture were Gram negative bacteria 30(73.2%). Higher utilization of Nitroimidazole 28(26.1%) and Cephalosporin 23(21.4%) was noticed for the management of bacterial Infection. Biguanides 31(44.9%) were the most commonly prescribed oral hypoglycaemic agents in patients followed by Sulphonylureas 25(36.2%). Short acting + intermediate acting insulin 14(40.2%) was most commonly given for hyperglycaemic management. Conclusion: The study reveals prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer in diabetic patients. The effective definitive therapy of antimicrobials and antidiabetic treatment and an education of the patients on the adequate care of their lesions were essential in increasing the welfare of patients